Notes of Islay peat smoke, wine fruit and malt, a modern interpretation of the legendary Lossit Distillery on Islay. A marriage of 100% extra mature Single Malt Scotch Whiskies, no added colour, not chill filtered.

Malcolm McNeill, founder of Lossit Distillery, was one of the leading farmer-distillers of his age. Founded in 1817, Lossit was the biggest producer of whisky on Islay in the industry’s formative years and lasted for half a century until it was silenced in 1867. The longest surviving and most successful of Islay’s farm-distilleries, Lossit was part of the transformation of Islay’s reputation from an outpost of smugglers to a leading force in the whisky industry. Lossit’s ability (and need to) utilise entirely local supplies to build a business that could satisfy both local and national markets is a structure that many Single Estate distillers are attempting to replicate today. It could even be said that Lossit was the original Single Estate distillery!

It is possible that production was intended to restart at Lossit after its purchase by Bulloch, Lade & Co. in 1862 were it not for the emergence of the relatively new Caol Ila onto the market in 1863. The opportunity to acquire a Caol Ila, a modern distillery with far superior transport links was arguably too good to miss. Lossit was limited, small and secluded in comparison, the qualities that made it perfect for illegal distilling now a hindrance. For Lossit, its spirit would continue to be used in the BLCblend and to furnish local markets, but any production had ceased by 1867. After Bulloch, Lade & Co relinquished its lease in 1870 and vacated the property, the distillery was gutted and its plant buried in the property’s driveway. There the stills remain in their grave, the brand never to be tasted again.

Appearance: Sauternes wine, oily and slow-running legs. Aroma: From the beginning its peat smoke, winey fruit and malty notes – this rather subtle nose also has hints of pineapple, vanilla and buttered burnt toast. Taste: The palate has a smooth and creamy tangy start, leading to a smoky bonfire with waves of gentle spice flowing in between the puffs of smoke. Finish: Gingerbread, grilled grapefruit and its long, smoky and complex - just when you think its fading, the waves of spice are back. Comment: For those who enjoy mature Islay Scotch whisky this is exceptionally elegant and complex.

Founded in 1817 by Malcolm McNeill, Lossit was the biggest producer of whisky on Islay in the industry’s formative years and lasted for half a century until it was silenced in 1867. The longest surviving and most successful of Islay’s farm-distilleries, Lossit was part of the transformation of Islay’s reputation from an outpost of smugglers to a leading force in the whisky industry. Lossit’s ability (and need to) utilise entirely local supplies to build a business that could satisfy both local and national markets is a structure that many Single Estate distillers are attempting to replicate today. It could even be said that Lossit was the original Single Estate distillery!

Origin

Styled on the original Islay distillery near Ballygrant, Islay

Volume, ABV

700ml, 46% ABV

Comment

Presented in a deluxe gift cannister

Description of Taste

Tasting note

Appearance: Sauternes wine, oily and slow-running legs. Aroma: From the beginning its peat smoke, winey fruit and malty notes – this rather subtle nose also has hints of pineapple, vanilla and buttered burnt toast. Taste: The palate has a smooth and creamy tangy start, leading to a smoky bonfire with waves of gentle spice flowing in between the puffs of smoke. Finish: Gingerbread, grilled grapefruit and its long, smoky and complex - just when you think its fading, the waves of spice are back. Comment: For those who enjoy mature Islay Scotch whisky this is exceptionally elegant and complex.